You are here:

How Your Heart Health Can Affect Wound Healing

The health of your heart affects your whole body. The heart is the center of your circulatory system, and is responsible for delivering oxygen rich blood throughout the body. Coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other issues with the heart and vessels can hinder blood flow, oxygen and nutrition to a wound. People with conditions like diabetes that makes you more prone to wounds should take extra caution with their heart health and wound care. A healthy heart is a leading factor in wound healing.

Learn the facts and take actions to prevent conditions that may affect the health of your heart and proper wound healing.

For most people, wound healing is a natural process. But for others, it is a complex medical problem requiring specialized treatment and care. Heart health plays a big role in your body’s ability to heal wounds properly.

Venous skin ulcers are caused by poor blood circulation from the legs or venous insufficiency. Your veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart. In venous insufficiency, the valves are damaged, and blood backs up and pools in the vein.

•Over 800,000 adults in the US have a venous ulcer right now

•Each year the financial impact of venous ulcers is over $3 billion

•Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the US

Four Tips to live a heart healthy life:

1. Eat More Color

The best way to get all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need to keep a healthy heart is to eat a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

2. Time to Unwind

Healthy habits can protect you from the harmful effects of stress. Manage your stress in a healthy way by embracing things you are able to change, remembering to laugh a little and learn to “pace” instead of “race” to get things done.

3. Get Moving

Physical activity increases the distance that people with PAD can walk without pain and helps decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. Socks Off

At your next check-up, take off your socks and tell your doctor about any problems with your legs or feet. If you have a non-healing wound, find a local wound care center near you.